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WTBA is a collection of and conversation about powerful books that strengthen, elevate, inspire and help to grow powerful, resilient kids. We're a book oriented guide for parents, grandparents, educators, aunts, uncles and anyone involved in nurturing children and caring for friends.

We’re all going to share our American future together – better to do so with open hearts and outstretched hands than closed minds and clenched fists.

— Hillary Rodham Clinton ... WHAT HAPPENED

I read Clinton’s latest book because I really wanted to know. What happened?

I have a better understanding of the 2016 debacle of a US Presidential race now, but mostly I have an increased admiration for Clinton.

She’s eloquent and warm—the book feels like sitting down and listening to a friend talk about a pivotal time in her life, which also happened to be pivotal to world history. This is Clinton’s story from her perspective.

I’m sure there are other stories to be told —perhaps some not flattering—but Clinton doesn’t absolve herself of blame. She takes it squarely like the statesperson she is, and also sets out the myriad of external factors with which she and her team were confronted. (Spoiler: you’ve heard them all before, but maybe not as clearly, unemotionally and concisely laid out.)

Clinton’s intelligence and breadth of knowledge shine throughout the book. That’s no surprise of course, but her warmth, love and pride in her family, and spirit of service are also on display. And that’s a side of her that didn’t get much press—at least in Australia. It’s impressive and inspiring.

Also inspiring: the books she scatters throughout by way of quotes or recommendations. They make quite the reading list. I’ve read only a few of them, but have added the rest to my Book Depository wish list with plans to get to (most of) them over the next few years.

In case you’d like to try some too, here are the 21 books from which she quotes or mentions as motivating, inspiring or enjoyable (in order of where they fall in the book):

Where The Books Are | Powerful Books For Powerful Kids

A conversation about books + kids. A website resource and book reviews for educators, parents, grandparents. The main focus is emotional resilience.

WTBA is a conversation about books and kids. You'll see that we take a broad approach, but our core passion is picture and chapter books—and our primary motivator is emotional resilience .... click here for more about us